SS Lazio-AS Roma Preview: Derby in the Wake of Disaster

The time has come for the second Derby Della Capitale of the season. Rome is once again filled with the atmosphere only the anticipation of one of the fiercest derbies  in football can bring forth—the fixture between AS Roma and SS Lazio.

There is, however, a dark cloud resting over the capital city due to the earthquake in L’Aquila, outside of Rome, which has until now taken the lives of almost 300 people.

Despite the disaster, Serie A games are to go ahead just as scheduled.

More than the city’s bragging rights are at stake when the Giallorossi and Biancocelesti clash on Saturday evening.

Neither of the two clubs have had satisfactory campaigns and both are in dire need of points if they are to salvage their dreams of European football next season.

Lazio are coming into the game with three consecutive defeats, while Roma have a hoard of players on the injury list.

On Saturday there will be no excuses, only blood, sweat, and tears, as the two clubs battle for honor in the Eternal City.

SS Lazio

Lazio are coming into the derby with three consecutive defeats under their belts. Coach Delio Rossi apologized after last week’s defeat against relegation threatened side Siena, but informed the media that he was not going to resign, despite the fact that the club has been crashing down the table.

Lazio are in a desperate state with immense pressure from both supporters and club president Claudio Lotito.

Lotito has been furious with the team’s recent performances, and has ordered the players go into a week-long "ritiro" in Norcia ahead of Saturday’s important game.

Lazio are occupying a spot in mid-table and are separated from a Uefa Cup place by eight points.

Considering the poor form the team has showcased these past couple of weeks, little hope remains of them qualifying for European play next season.

Unlike his Roma counterpart, Rossi will have the entire squad at his disposal, with the only exception being Simone Inzaghi, who recently underwent shoulder surgery.

Lazio will have to go out with all guns blazing if they are to win, as another defeat in the make-or-break clash against their city rivals could spell the end of Rossi’s rein at Lazio.

Probable starting XI (according to La Gazzetta dello Sport): Muslera; Lichtsteiner, Siviglia, Cribari, Kolarov; Foggia, Ledesma, Matuzalem; Pandev, Rocchi, Zarate

AS Roma

Just like Lazio, Roma have had a disastrous campaign. Despite fighting their way back from a lowly 17th place in the league table, the prospect of the fourth and last Champions League spot looks very unlikely.

Five points currently separate the Giallorossi from a Champions League spot, as both Genoa and Fiorentina are ahead in the standings. The capital club has promised to do everything on their part to achieve their goal, but can only wait to capitalize on the other clubs’ mistakes.

After the embarrassing 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Juventus, Roma finally managed to snap their winless streak, as club icon Francesco Totti marked his comeback by converting two penalties to give Roma a 2-1 win over Bologna last week.

Luciano Spalletti is facing the prospect of being without the services of quite a few key-players as Alberto Aquilani, Marco Cassetti, Rodrigo Taddei, Mirko Vucinic, Juan, and Cicinho all look set to miss out on the action.

There is also uncertainty about whether or not Totti will be able to take part in the highly anticipated fixture.

Although the fourth place is beyond the team’s control for the time being, they can’t afford any more slip-ups if they are to pick up the pieces when the other teams make mistakes.

Probable starting XI (according to La Gazzetta dello Sport): Doni; Motta, Mexes, Panucci, Riise; De Rossi, Pizarro, Brighi; Perrotta; Baptista, Totti